Area Programme Manager

Job Posting Organization:
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a prominent protection agency established to safeguard, advocate for, and promote sustainable solutions for populations affected by displacement. Since its inception, DRC has been dedicated to addressing the needs of displaced individuals and communities, and it has been operational in Ukraine since 201

• The organization currently employs over 800 staff members in Ukraine and is actively involved in emergency response initiatives across various sectors, including Protection, Livelihoods, Shelter/NFIs, and Humanitarian Disarmament and Peacebuilding. DRC's approach includes direct interventions, support to duty bearers, and collaboration with civil society organizations (CSOs). As the context evolves, DRC is committed to adapting its durable solutions portfolio to meet the changing needs of affected populations.

Job Overview:
The Area Programme Manager role is pivotal in developing and managing DRC's area programming, which focuses on enhancing protection and resilience for displaced populations. This includes internally displaced persons (IDPs), host families, host communities, and returnees. The manager will oversee the provision of direct humanitarian assistance and work on strengthening partnerships, including identifying and developing the capacity of local authorities and civil society organizations. The role also involves representing DRC in relevant humanitarian coordination forums, engaging with UN and INGO counterparts, and actively shaping agendas that align with DRC's humanitarian priorities. The Area Programme Manager will provide vision, leadership, and direction to the humanitarian team, ensuring that the administration and implementation of area project grants and project teams are executed effectively. The position requires a strategic approach to programming that is coherent with DRC's operational platforms, enhancing program quality, standards, and learning while enforcing accountability and monitoring frameworks.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Management of DRC area portfolio: Lead the planning and initiation of new projects, providing daily support to sectoral managers and team leaders to ensure timely implementation. Oversee program quality and participate in drafting relevant Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to facilitate project implementation. Ensure staffing positions are filled and projects remain on track, providing training and backstopping to Program Heads of Departments. Develop communication lines between project staff and partners and create tools to capture and share lessons learned.
• Implementation of DRC Project Cycle Management: Lead the rollout and implementation of DRC Project Cycle Management tools, mentoring sectoral managers and team leaders on their use.
• Strategy and funding development: Coordinate assessments in the area, providing updates to the Area Manager and Senior Management Team on evolving needs and stakeholder engagement. Lead the consolidation of inputs for proposal development and adapt DRC's national strategy to local contexts.
• Advocacy, coordination, and representation: Represent DRC in relevant clusters and external forums, ensuring a coordinated humanitarian response. Consolidate advocacy needs and represent DRC to national authorities as delegated.
• People management: Accountable for achieving strategic goals, making significant decisions regarding unit functions, and managing direct reports, including hiring, performance appraisal, and staff development.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess skills and experience in project/program planning, delivery, monitoring, reporting, review, and evaluation. Proficiency in fundraising, budget management, and donor reporting/accountability is essential. Experience in complex emergencies or challenging security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security settings is required, along with a calm and diplomatic demeanor. Candidates should have experience in capacity building for staff and local partners, with the ability to produce timely project proposals and high-quality reports. Full professional proficiency in English is mandatory.

Educational Background:
A relevant educational background is required, typically including a degree in social sciences, international relations, or a related field. Advanced degrees may be preferred for this managerial position, reflecting the complexity and responsibilities associated with the role.

Experience:
The position requires at least 5 years of experience in project or program management, with a strong emphasis on developing successful proposals. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of 3 years of experience in people management, demonstrating the ability to lead and develop teams effectively.

Languages:
Full professional proficiency in English is mandatory for this role. Knowledge of additional languages relevant to the region may be considered an asset, enhancing communication with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The contract length is for 12 months, with the possibility of renewal based on performance and funding availability. There is a preliminary 3-month probation period. The position is classified as Band F2-management, and the duty station is based in the Sumy office, which is designated as a non-family duty station. The role may require travel within the region. The start date is as soon as possible, and salary and conditions will align with the Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for National or Expatriates. All applicants must submit a cover letter and an updated CV in English, with applications sent via email not being considered. The closing date for applications is May 31st, 2026, and candidates are encouraged to apply promptly as interviews may be conducted on a rolling basis.